Advise needed on Black Series purchase
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Joined: Jul 2007
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08 SL55
Hell I haven't even driven it yet. The Sales manager would not let me drive it unless I agreed to buy it before I even drove it. They will only let serious buys drive the car 
I guess showing up with a 2008 SL550 that is paid for along with the title and a check for the difference did not cut it for the drive? I left kind of pissed, called them back the next day and said I was going to call the owner of the dealership and let him know that I was happy that he was doing so well and did not need to sell cars to people with cash money. The Sales manager asked me to please come back and drive the car. I understand you have to drive this car to appreciate it I guess the sales people don't understand this.
I guess showing up with a 2008 SL550 that is paid for along with the title and a check for the difference did not cut it for the drive? I left kind of pissed, called them back the next day and said I was going to call the owner of the dealership and let him know that I was happy that he was doing so well and did not need to sell cars to people with cash money. The Sales manager asked me to please come back and drive the car. I understand you have to drive this car to appreciate it I guess the sales people don't understand this.I will offer my opinion about the BS as a "daily driver" however. I'm not sure if I had to drive the car as a "daily driver" I would be so hyped about it (of course I am 5'-17" and have had 2 back operations.....) While it is, in my opinion one of the most unique/special/rare cars on the planet it is light years different than a SL even a 65. To say that the suspension is firm is an understatement; it is downright stiff! Depending on your circumstances you might not want "race car" suspension for your daily commute? Good luck.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
I have several cars, trucks and SUVS, so the sports cars don't see the cold weather. The only time I have had the car out in sub 40 degree temps was a few weeks ago at MIR, my buddy drove the car from our hotel to the track (I drove the hauler), the road the track is on actually has some nice turns and hills, it looked like a fun road to push it on. He said the car was all over the place but was still managable (he's a very good driver), I was laughing as I was behind him (way behind him) I would watch him spin the tires from about 60 all the way up past 100mph, the back end was just going back and forth and back and forth and back and forth, but it appeared the front end tracked as straight as an arrow. I've never seen a car that was capable of laying dark patches at 100mph.
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Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
Hell I haven't even driven it yet. The Sales manager would not let me drive it unless I agreed to buy it before I even drove it. They will only let serious buys drive the car I guess showing up with a 2008 SL550 that is paid for along with the title and a check for the difference did not cut it for the drive? I left kind of pissed, called them back the next day and said I was going to call the owner of the dealership and let him know that I was happy that he was doing so well and did not need to sell cars to people with cash money. The Sales manager asked me to please come back and drive the car. I understand you have to drive this car to appreciate it I guess the sales people don't understand this.
I guess showing up with a 2008 SL550 that is paid for along with the title and a check for the difference did not cut it for the drive? I left kind of pissed, called them back the next day and said I was going to call the owner of the dealership and let him know that I was happy that he was doing so well and did not need to sell cars to people with cash money. The Sales manager asked me to please come back and drive the car. I understand you have to drive this car to appreciate it I guess the sales people don't understand this.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
I'm having an operation on Monday and won't be able to drive it for a few weeks, when I good enough to drive it and its a good day I will be calling the sales manager for the drive. If I do pay the $27K difference I want them to split the CPO cost for the 3 additional years and 100K bumper to bumper MB warranty. I don't think I would want to own a BS that was not under warranty?? What are your thoughts??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
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08 SL55
I'm having an operation on Monday and won't be able to drive it for a few weeks, when I good enough to drive it and its a good day I will be calling the sales manager for the drive. If I do pay the $27K difference I want them to split the CPO cost for the 3 additional years and 100K bumper to bumper MB warranty. I don't think I would want to own a BS that was not under warranty?? What are your thoughts??
BTW, good luck with your operation.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 449
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CLK 63 AMG Black
At 6'1", the BS is comfortable in regards to space. I think the biggest ride issues are on rough concrete, which can make the car jiggle. On 99% of the roads around Chicago, it isn't a problem at all- worst is the Skyway bridge, but that is just a few miles of the 47 miles I drive in.
I did buy mine without driving it, but am surprised that you experienced the denial of your request. At a minimum, I'd slice off some cash just to cover time and annoyance. Good luck with the surgery. Speedy recovery!
I did buy mine without driving it, but am surprised that you experienced the denial of your request. At a minimum, I'd slice off some cash just to cover time and annoyance. Good luck with the surgery. Speedy recovery!
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CLK63 Black Series
I never test drove any car that I bought. But then again, I always know what I want before I walk into a dealer ship. Buying the Black Series was not different. Just by looking at it I knew what it was all about. Ever since it was used as a Safety Car in Formula 1 I said to myself: If they ever make a street version, I'll buy it. My only condition was that it had to be silver. I went to my local dealer ship which had a silver BS on the floor. They offered a test drive, I declined and bought it instead. I owned some really nice cars in the past, but the BS is by far my favorite of them all. As a matter of fact, I turned down a GT3 RS that was offered to me for sticker. Most of my friends thought I was crazy for going with the Mercedes instead of the Porsche. I know one thing for sure, there will never be another CLK Black Series in the future from Mercedes Benz. Ever wondered why it's called a Black Series?
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Joined: Jul 2007
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08 SL55
I never test drove any car that I bought. But then again, I always know what I want before I walk into a dealer ship. Buying the Black Series was not different. Just by looking at it I knew what it was all about. Ever since it was used as a Safety Car in Formula 1 I said to myself: If they ever make a street version, I'll buy it. My only condition was that it had to be silver. I went to my local dealer ship which had a silver BS on the floor. They offered a test drive, I declined and bought it instead. I owned some really nice cars in the past, but the BS is by far my favorite of them all. As a matter of fact, I turned down a GT3 RS that was offered to me for sticker. Most of my friends thought I was crazy for going with the Mercedes instead of the Porsche. I know one thing for sure, there will never be another CLK Black Series in the future from Mercedes Benz. Ever wondered why it's called a Black Series?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 318
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From: MIAMI
E63 AMG
Took my 2008 SL550 with 6700 miles in to trade for a 2008 CLK 63 AMG Black Series with 3000 miles. Dealer wants my SL and $27K. Do you guys think this is a good deal? Also will the Black Series hold its value better then my SL550? My SL550 MSRP was around $103K and the Black Series was around $138K. What do you guys think?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
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From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
Thanks for letting me know what you paid, it will help me in a couple of weeks when I can go in and checkout the BS
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 111
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From: Lake Norman, NC
C63, GL450, Panamera S, lots of little British leakers
You hold the upper hand here
I think time is going to work in your favor here... before you go into the dealership in three weeks, arm yourself with the latest CLK63 listings from cars.com, autotrader.com, and yes, ebay.
Knowing the current state of the market helps you reduce the dealer's advantage... and there seems to be no rush to buy $100,000 cars in this economic climate as Christmas fast approaches.
Just be willing to walk away (after your test drive) and let them come back to you with a better price... you have two things working very hard in your favor.
1) you are a repeat customer and a cash buyer... no financing concerns for them.
2) the car you want to trade gives them a much broader resale market than the car they want to sell.
Knowing the current state of the market helps you reduce the dealer's advantage... and there seems to be no rush to buy $100,000 cars in this economic climate as Christmas fast approaches.
Just be willing to walk away (after your test drive) and let them come back to you with a better price... you have two things working very hard in your favor.
1) you are a repeat customer and a cash buyer... no financing concerns for them.
2) the car you want to trade gives them a much broader resale market than the car they want to sell.
Last edited by 201mph; Dec 13, 2008 at 05:09 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,621
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
I think time is going to work in your favor here... before you go into the dealership in three weeks, arm yourself with the latest CLK63 listings from cars.com, autotrader.com, and yes, ebay.
Knowing the current state of the market helps you reduce the dealer's advantage... and there seems to be no rush to buy $100,000 cars in this economic climate as Christmas fast approaches.
Just be willing to walk away (after your test drive) and let them come back to you with a better price... you have two things working very hard in your favor.
1) you are a repeat customer and a cash buyer... no financing concerns for them.
2) the car you want to trade gives them a much broader resale market than the car they want to sell.
Knowing the current state of the market helps you reduce the dealer's advantage... and there seems to be no rush to buy $100,000 cars in this economic climate as Christmas fast approaches.
Just be willing to walk away (after your test drive) and let them come back to you with a better price... you have two things working very hard in your favor.
1) you are a repeat customer and a cash buyer... no financing concerns for them.
2) the car you want to trade gives them a much broader resale market than the car they want to sell.
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CLK 63 Black Series, 2009 S550, 2011 Range Rover Supercharged, BMW F800 GS Anniv Edition
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
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'14 ML BT
There are plenty of them around.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 108
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From: MPLS
2016 E350
2008 BS
I know OP is looking to trade, but this should give you an idea of market today. There are a couple here in N.Cal. One at the dealer is silver. Don't know price, just sitting out in the cold with the other ordinary cars - which I thought was strange. The two E63s and CLS63 were both $30k off. They had a C63 inside?
Also ran across this in my search for a CLS.... $85k asking....
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/971556539.html
Also ran across this in my search for a CLS.... $85k asking....
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/971556539.html
Member
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
Mercedes C43 AMG
I know OP is looking to trade, but this should give you an idea of market today. There are a couple here in N.Cal. One at the dealer is silver. Don't know price, just sitting out in the cold with the other ordinary cars - which I thought was strange. The two E63s and CLS63 were both $30k off. They had a C63 inside?
Also ran across this in my search for a CLS.... $85k asking....
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/971556539.html
Also ran across this in my search for a CLS.... $85k asking....
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/ctd/971556539.html
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
CLK63 AMG Black Series, CL55 AMG, ML350, Audi S4
Bought "The Black" today !
I have been following this forum for a few months now and have been looking for just the right "Black" at the right Price. I just wired the money to an MB dealer in Missouri that has a 2008 with 3000 miles. I think it is the one that has been discussed on this forum at some length by SL2003driver. I have owed a number of Porsches, C2S, GT3, 996 Turbo and a GT3 Cup car that I raced in Grand-AM, also have had Ferrari's, Lambo, M3 and M5. But everything I have heard about this car is positive. Obviously not a daily driver but the fun factor is suppose to be a 10. My main question is: have any of you adjusted the shocks in bump or rebound at the track days to see what difference it makes in curing what has been described as a happy tail. I would like to know what effect the adjustments had on the car and what specific changes did you make in the F & R.
Last edited by selynn; Dec 30, 2008 at 01:25 PM. Reason: wrong name
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
I have been following this forum for a few months now and have been looking for just the right "Black" at the right Price. I just wired the money to an MB dealer in Missouri that has a 2008 with 3000 miles. I think it is the one that has been discussed on this forum at some length by SL2003driver. I have owed a number of Porsches, C2S, GT3, 996 Turbo and a GT3 Cup car that I raced in Grand-AM, also have had Ferrari's, Lambo, M3 and M5. But everything I have heard about this car is positive. Obviously not a daily driver but the fun factor is suppose to be a 10. My main question is: have any of you adjusted the shocks in bump or rebound at the track days to see what difference it makes in curing what has been described as a happy tail. I would like to know what effect the adjustments had on the car and what specific changes did you make in the F & R.
As for your suspension question, yes several of us have made major adjustments to our suspension systems including various springs/rates, ride heights and rebound/compression adjustments. Don't be mis-lead by the "happy tail" comments, the car does have a happy tail even with optimum suspension settings, but the car tracks fine, straight as an arrow. It is not the type of "happy tail" that is going to spin you around, it's just a slight wave that does not even require any steering input, it is 100% controlable in most any situation. I would have to say the most important settings you should focus on is ride height and spring rate, the bump stops can be met quite easily in fast, heavy loaded sections of some tracks. be sure to run your front height 2-3mm higher than the rear, possibly more depending on the track you are running or if you trail brake a lot, it's not too hard to overload the front end on these cars under hard braking either.
I would contact JIM BRADY on this forum, I think he has the most seat time in a Black Series on the race track.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 26
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From: Indiana
CLK63 AMG Black Series, CL55 AMG, ML350, Audi S4
I will try to contact Jim. I have spent most of my time at Mid-Ohio and Putnam Park but have raced at RA on 5 or 6 occasions. I am REALLY looking forward to getting the car. The dealership just called and it will be here in the morning. Thanks for your help.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,621
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From: Naperville, IL/Chicago
2008 CLK63 Black Series 2012 C63 Black Series 2014 SLS Black Series
I love Putnam, i used to run WERA motorcycle events down there, great little track, the down hill front straight and turn 1 is a blast. I can give you all of my current settings on my car if you want, but I have different springs wider wheels and tires and different aero than you so not sure if they will be of too much help to you.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
Likes: 3
From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
I have been following this forum for a few months now and have been looking for just the right "Black" at the right Price. I just wired the money to an MB dealer in Missouri that has a 2008 with 3000 miles. I think it is the one that has been discussed on this forum at some length by SL2003driver. I have owed a number of Porsches, C2S, GT3, 996 Turbo and a GT3 Cup car that I raced in Grand-AM, also have had Ferrari's, Lambo, M3 and M5. But everything I have heard about this car is positive. Obviously not a daily driver but the fun factor is suppose to be a 10. My main question is: have any of you adjusted the shocks in bump or rebound at the track days to see what difference it makes in curing what has been described as a happy tail. I would like to know what effect the adjustments had on the car and what specific changes did you make in the F & R.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,309
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From: Cave Creek, AZ and Newport Beach
'22 G 63 AMG, '21 GLE 53 AMG, '20 NSX
I have been following this forum for a few months now and have been looking for just the right "Black" at the right Price. I just wired the money to an MB dealer in Missouri that has a 2008 with 3000 miles. I think it is the one that has been discussed on this forum at some length by SL2003driver. I have owed a number of Porsches, C2S, GT3, 996 Turbo and a GT3 Cup car that I raced in Grand-AM, also have had Ferrari's, Lambo, M3 and M5. But everything I have heard about this car is positive. Obviously not a daily driver but the fun factor is suppose to be a 10. My main question is: have any of you adjusted the shocks in bump or rebound at the track days to see what difference it makes in curing what has been described as a happy tail. I would like to know what effect the adjustments had on the car and what specific changes did you make in the F & R.
I had the KW suspension engineer set up my car when I was in europe at the AMG trophy cup, no tail wagging at all. BTW, tail happy is a misnomer if you own a few porsche's. There is no comparison. My 993tt 3.8 is the garage queen now. The Black is sooo much easier to drive fast as several have alrady stated.
Key in set up is, don't get the front too low as I've found ride height matters. The KW suspension is far easier to adjust than the Bilstein Pss'9 or 10's. KW has a newer technology and one click and you can immediately tell the difference. For example I felt the back was too loose under high speed braking. One click on the compression for the fronts, gone.
(It helped that the KW engineer was there) but it is easy to dial in. Good luck and enjoy your car.Jimmy
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 26
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
CLK63 AMG Black Series, CL55 AMG, ML350, Audi S4
Weather finally broke here yesterday and I called the salesmanager to have him get it off the show room floor so I could drive it. Said he sold it Saturday. Just wondering since you bought it site unseen why you bought the one in KC versus the ones in California that had fewer miles and were priced $3K less? If you don't mind me asking what did you end up paying? Congrats and enjoy your new BS.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 950
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From: Maui, Hawaii
CLS63, GLK350
I actually did not buy it site unseen. I flew my plane over to KC just before Thanksgiving and drove the car and made an offer that they turned down. Over these past six weeks I have tracked every BS I could find and tried to make the best deal I could. I traded in my 2003 SL55 AMG with 30,000 miles and paid cash for the difference. The best cash deal I found was at Brumos with 4K miles. Steve and John at KC -MB offered me way more on trade than I could get elsewhere and they could deliver it by today. Please keep in mind that every dealer will have to pay inventory tax after Jan.1st. If your gonna buy one I would do it tomorrow or you will probably have to wait till the Spring and see how things go then. I did not want to wait and take the chance so I pulled the trigger Saturday and I am glad I did. Good luck.
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'14 ML BT
Glad you got the deal you wanted. How did they determine your trade value since it was in indiana and are they then picking up your SL55 when they deliever the BS. If so I did not know you could do a long distance trade, which opens up some more doors if that is how it works. Please let me know.
If you post a request for someone to check out a BS in another city, I'm sure someone will step up.
Here's a white one with 1,200 miles, but these nut jobs are in love with the car as they've had it for more than 5 months. Do you think they are beginning to understand that it's priced too high? $112k
